Crayfish Season 2015/16 ready to go

But not without change.

In a statement, the City urged fishermen to make the right catch during the 2015/16 West Coast rock lobster (WCRL) season and said its Marine and Environmental Law Enforcement unit was ready to act against anybody who forgo regulations.

During the season, recreational fishermen are permitted 21 designated days to catch a quota of four WCRL per day. Fishermen were encouraged to comply with the Marine Living Resources Act regulations to avoid being on the wrong side of the law. The season closes on 28 March 2016.

The regulations include:

Recreational WCRL fishermen require a permit to fish. These are obtainable from their nearest South African Post Office. Only persons over the age of 12 years may obtain a permit

There is daily bag limit of four West Coast rock lobsters per person per day for the duration of the fishing season. The size restriction is 80 mm carapace length

Fishing times for WCRL will be from 8am until 4pm. Catches must be landed before 4pm

No person catching WCRL with a recreational fishing permit may sell their catch and any WCRL caught, collected or transported must be kept in a whole state

The City said fishing for WCRL would only be allowed on the following dates:

15 November 2015 (1 day)

21 – 22 November 2015 (2 days)

28 – 29 November 2015 (2 days)

5 – 6 December 2015 (2 days)

12 – 13 December 2015 (2 days)

19 – 20 December 2015 (2 days)

26 – 27 December 2015 (2 days)

2 – 3 January 2016 (2 days)

9 – 10 January 2016 (2 days)

25 – 28 March 2016 (4 days)

The City also said it would work with other agencies including Table Mountain National Park’s Marine Unit, the South African Police Service’s Border Police and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to enforce regulations.

“It is critical for fishermen and the various spheres of government to work together and to take responsibility for preserving and protecting our marine heritage,” the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Johan van der Merwe said.

“For this reason, it is of utmost importance that fishermen adhere to the gazetted regulations stipulated for the season. Law enforcement units will be out in their numbers to patrol and conduct joint operations throughout the season to ensure that fishermen are complying with regulations. The City is calling on members of the public to report any illegal activity to the City’s Law Enforcement control room so that together we can clamp down on unlawful behaviour and protect and preserve our marine life.”

Reports of any illegal activity during the season can be directed to the City’s Law Enforcement control room on 021 596 1999.